Primo Franco is one of Nino Franco's most iconic Proseccos, named in honour of the visionary winemaker Primo Franco, who transformed the estate and the Prosecco category. First produced in 1983, this vintage Prosecco represents a pivotal moment in the evolution of Prosecco, marking the first single vintage bottling from Nino Franco. Primo Franco DOCG 2013 is a benchmark of quality for Valdobbiadene Superiore Prosecco, combining complexity, freshness, and the unique expression of the region's terroir.
Vineyards
The grapes for Primo Franco are sourced from carefully selected vineyards in Valdobbiadene’s most prestigious areas. The steep hillsides, rich in mineral deposits, provide an ideal environment for cultivating Glera grapes with concentrated flavours and vibrant acidity. Sustainable vineyard practices ensure that the grapes are harvested at the peak of ripeness, reflecting the best characteristics of the terroir in each bottle.
Winemaking
Primo Franco is crafted using the Charmat method, with primary fermentation taking place in temperature-controlled stainless steel tanks to preserve the wine’s fresh fruit character. Secondary fermentation occurs in pressurised tanks to create a fine, elegant mousse. With a balanced residual sugar of approximately 28 grams per litre, Primo Franco has a richer, more luxurious texture than many traditional Proseccos, yet maintains a perfect harmony between sweetness and acidity.
Appearance
Bright straw yellow with fine, persistent bubbles.
Nose
The nose offers a delightful bouquet of ripe apples, white flowers, and hints of tropical fruits, such as banana and pineapple, alongside subtle nuances of almond and honey.
Palate
On the palate, Primo Franco is lush and creamy, with flavours of ripe stone fruits like apricot and peach, balanced by a refreshing acidity. The wine's natural sweetness is beautifully integrated with its fresh, fruity core, leading to a long, clean finish with a touch of minerality.
Food pairing
Primo Franco is an incredibly versatile Prosecco that pairs wonderfully with a variety of dishes. It complements creamy cheeses, fresh fruit tarts, and desserts, but is equally delightful with rich seafood dishes, including lobster and scallops. Its balance of sweetness and acidity also makes it a perfect match for spicy Asian cuisine or blue cheeses.
Accolades
91 points Falstaff. 93 points www.jamesthewineguy.com.
Background story
Founded in 1919 by Antonio Franco, Nino Franco is one of the most prestigious Prosecco producers from Valdobbiadene, Veneto. Over the past century, the Franco family has been dedicated to refining Prosecco’s reputation, evolving it from a simple apéritif to a wine celebrated in Michelin-starred restaurants around the world. When Primo Franco took over in the early 1980s, he shifted the winery's focus toward producing quality-driven Proseccos, embracing single-vineyard cuvées and more sustainable practices. His work redefined what Prosecco could achieve, turning it into a wine that rivals the finest sparkling wines.
Nino Franco’s wines reflect the unique terroir of Valdobbiadene, with its steep hillsides and mineral-rich soils contributing to their freshness and complexity. Consistently praised by critics such as Robert Parker, Antonio Galloni, and Tom Stevenson, Nino Franco has also won more Gold Medals at the Champagne and Sparkling Wine World Championships than any other Prosecco producer. Their philosophy is simple: “great Prosecco starts with great wine.” By combining time-honoured traditions with modern innovation, Nino Franco consistently delivers wines that showcase the depth and diversity of the region, standing out on the global stage.
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